David Nikithser

David Nikithser, a computer information systems major in Rider University’s College of Continuing Studies, has experienced a dream come true – appearing as a contestant on one of his favorite shows, “Jeopardy.” On July 10, the show will air.

Since age 10 in 1984, Nikithser has been hooked on the show. To tackle a bout of insomnia that year, he watched television during the wee hours of the morning. “One morning at 2 a.m. a game show came on – a new version of “Jeopardy.” I got to watch it from the very beginning and I was immediately hooked,” he said. “I found myself making sure I was awake to watch, even after the sleeplessness subsided.

“A year later, the show moved to week nights and I did not have to worry about missing sleep anymore. I have been a fan of this version from the very beginning. I am a fan of most of the other ‘test your general knowledge’-type shows -- “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire” quickly comes to mind.”

Hearing about a local call for contestants last year, Nikithser auditioned at a contestant search in Philadelphia in June of 2005. During the first round, he had to answer a 50-question test to determine if he could play the “mock game.” He was informed that very few people pass the test and those who audition are weeded down further during this actual trial game – seeing if they speak up, ring in properly, and answer questions quickly.

“Trivia’s always been a hobby of mine, for reasons I can’t really explain,” said Nikithser. “I’ve got a pretty decent memory for things like dates and historical facts, and I have an almost insatiable curiosity about everything. I think those two qualities together are what creates the average ’trivia buff.’”

Nikithser was thrilled to receive news that he made the cut. He recently flew out to Culver City, CA, to tape the show at Sony Pictures Studios. “Right after I got the invitation, I felt this immediate nervous excitement. When I got to the airport, it turned into terror. I was petrified that I might freeze up or pass out or something. When I got to the studio, it became panic. But oddly, when they picked my name and I stepped onto the stage, I began to feel really calm. This was the moment I had waited about 20 years for and I decided to enjoy it. I just decided I was going to have fun.”

That in fact, is the way Nikithser approaches life at Rider and work as a project manager at New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Group in West Trenton. Graduating with an associate’s degree in telecommunications management from DeVry University, he matriculated into Rider’s bachelor of science in business administration degree program (BSBA) in fall 2005. He has excelled at Rider, making the dean’s list for the past two semesters. “Everyone I’ve had the pleasure of working with – professors, students, administrators – has been great,” he said.

Nikithser’s goal is to one day lead operations for a company’s IT department.

“I think we’re only scratching the surface when it comes to how computers and communication networks can really benefit the way the world does business,” said Nikithser. “We need to dig deeper into how we can use what we have at our disposal and take advantage of the opportunities out there.”